What Causes a Car Bumper to Crack?
3 Answers
Car bumper cracks are primarily caused by collisions. Suggestions for fixing a cracked car bumper: Remove the screws and clips securing the bumper, take the bumper off and place it on a flat surface. Plug in the soldering iron, align the cracked parts of the bumper by hand, and once the soldering iron is heated, melt and fix the cracks from the outside to the inside. After securing, reinstall the bumper onto the vehicle, adjust the gap between the bumper and the car body, apply protective film around the bumper, then sand the welded areas smooth with sandpaper, apply putty, wait for it to dry, and finally polish it smooth with fine sandpaper. Car Bumper: The front and rear ends of a car are equipped with bumpers, which not only have a decorative function but, more importantly, serve as safety devices that absorb and mitigate external impacts, protecting the car body and the safety of passengers.
My brand-new white car got scratched against the roadside guardrail last time I was driving, and the bumper cracked with a big gap, which really broke my heart. Later, I asked the mechanic at the repair shop, and he said this is mostly caused by collision accidents, such as rear-end collisions, being hit while parked on the roadside, or not paying attention to the distance when reversing. Additionally, prolonged exposure to wind and sun can cause the plastic material to age and become brittle, making it prone to cracking with just a slight impact. I calculated the cost of repairing the bumper—if it's an original part, plus painting and other expenses, it would cost around two to three thousand yuan. Moreover, a damaged bumper has poor protective function; in case of a high-speed accident, its energy absorption effect is reduced, increasing the safety risks for passengers inside. Now, I drive extra carefully, especially when maneuvering in parking lots, checking the rearview mirrors more often to prevent similar incidents. During routine car inspections, you can gently tap the bumper with your hand and listen to the sound to check for hidden cracks.
I've been driving this car for almost ten years, and the bumper has cracked twice, both times from accidentally hitting a pillar while parking. The mechanic told me that bumper cracks are commonly caused by external collisions, such as driving over a stone that flies up and damages it, being rear-ended, or new drivers scraping it while turning. Older cars' bumpers are more prone to issues—the plastic material degrades over time and becomes more brittle in cold winter weather, cracking easily with minor impacts. I recommend everyone develop good driving habits, like relying on the rearview camera system while reversing to avoid distractions. If it cracks, get it repaired promptly; otherwise, rainwater can seep in and rust the car's frame, causing bigger problems and affecting aesthetics. Last time I fixed it, it only cost a few hundred yuan, but delaying repairs can increase costs and pose safety risks. Now, I always remind myself to drive slower and steadier.
